About Me

72 Comments

1. Prashanth says:

   January 31, 2012 at 11:40 pm

   Hi Dheeraj,
   my name is prashanth, I have planned to travel to Delhi-Shimla-Manali-Chandigarh-Delhi by Ac Indigo car between march 24th to 30th, Kindly let me know the travel itinerary, which i can cover best places between these days.This is my honeymoon trip and my first trip to north India. please suggest the good place.

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     February 3, 2012 at 12:22 am

     Hi Prashanth,

     Sorry for delayed reply, as I was away for the last few days. You may like to follow the below plan -

     Day 1 | Reach Shimla. Check-in and rest at hotel. In the second half explore local Shimla including Shimla Ridge, Mall Road, Lakkar Bazaar, Back to Hotel By Evening.
     Day 2 | Around Shimla, a relaxing day. Jakhoo Temple, State Museum, Mall Road, Ridge etc. as you like or may be you can visit Kufri in the first half of the day and all this in the second half of the day.
     Day 3 | Shimla – Narkanda – Hatu Peak – Narkanda – Shimla (a bit long day) or you can do Shimla – Kufri – Chail – Shimla (Little les hectic )
     Day 4 | Shimla – Manali
     Day 5 | Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc.
     Day 6 | Manali – Snow Point either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass. Enjoy in snow and come back to Manali
     Day 7 | Manali – Naggar Castle(stay at Naggar and enjoy the place. Very romantic with great views and food. Visit Roerich Musueum, Art Gallery and do not miss the hike to ancient Krishna Temple at the top)
     Day 8 | Naggar Castle – Manali – Delhi. Checkout from Naggar Castle by noon and leave for Delhi.

     ** if you have time then try, Manali Sanctuary can also be covered as it is just about 2-3 KMs from Manali town and there is trail which starts from Manali Log Huts or Dhungri temple that leads you into the woods. 

     ** If you are short on number of days then skip Day 7 and return to Chandigarh at night from Manali on Day 7.

     I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have more doubts or queries.

     Regards,
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
     • Prashanth says:

       February 3, 2012 at 1:05 am

       Hi Dheeraj,

       Thanks for your reply.

       Reply
       • Prashanth says:

         February 3, 2012 at 1:08 am

         Is it possible visit to Rohtang pass in march and time we need to start from manali to there?
       • Dheeraj Sharma says:

         February 3, 2012 at 4:20 pm

         Nopes Prashanth. Rohtang Pass will be closed in March. You will be able to reach either Gulaba (32 KMs before Rohtang Pass) or may be Marhi (about 19 KMs though not likely). I know you have sent some itinerary on my email, I will provide you my suggestions on the same wen I reach home

         Regards
         Dheeraj Sharma
2. Sherri says:

   January 30, 2012 at 10:18 pm

   My husband and I are planning a short trip to Leh at the end of March. We wish to travel to the Nubra Valley to visit a school that we sponsor. Is it possible to the Nubra Valley from Leh at this time of year?

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     January 31, 2012 at 10:43 am

     Hello Sherri,

     Generally, the connectivity is maintained throughout leaving only few days when it heavily snows on Khardung La pass and time required to clear the snow. So, it is highly likely that you will be able to go over Khardung La to Nubra Valley. But, if it has snowed in near time then it all depends on the luck.

     Do not know how short on time you guys are but if you are flying you will need to acclimatize for atleast 2-3 days if not 4. Temperatures will start to rise in march but still in minus and cold conditions makes body difficult to acclimatize. So, do try to acclimtize first before climbing over Khardung La to go over to Nubra Valley.

     I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have any queries or doubts.

     Regards
     Dheeraj sharma

     Reply
3. Tejas says:

   January 5, 2012 at 10:34 pm

   i want to go to leh. i have read your itenary and various thing like innerline permit,budget etc.i wanted to talk with you in more detail so can you provide me your contact number.
   thanks .

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     January 6, 2012 at 10:25 am

     Hi Tejas,

     I will email you my contact number.

     Regards
     Dheeraj

     Reply
4. Amol Shivarkar says:

   December 25, 2011 at 12:49 pm

   Hi Dheeraj, how are you doing i hope u remember be you help me a lot for Leh trip. Now m planing to go Kerala do u have any Travel Itineraries for Kerala for 20 days.

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 27, 2011 at 10:55 am

     Hi Amol,

     Yes, buddy I remember you and I am doing great and hope same for you as well. Nice, to know that you have been traveling good but this time I will be sorry for any help as I have never been to Kerala. So, I will not be the right person to comment on the plan or anything related to it … I wish to do it some day but my mountain love will keep that day far away …

     Regards
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
5. Jaideep says:

   December 22, 2011 at 4:19 pm

   Hi Dheeraj,

   First off al for such a informative blog.

   I am going to Nanital on 23rd dec with my GF and some friends from Delhi for 3 days. We are planning to stay at Nanital. Please suggest me some hill station near Nanital, where v can chill out , enjoy nature peacefully away from all this traffic and crowd.

   I went to Manali 3 -4 months back. I stayed at old manali really enjoyed there. And personally i think old manali is economical then New Manali and much peaceful and better then new Manali.So I am looking for a place i.e withing 20 km of nanital where we can stay just like Old Manali. And please suggest me some good hotels if u know. And is there any chance to see snow near Nanital

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 22, 2011 at 5:22 pm

     Hi Jaideep,

     Just try to go to Sattal instead Nainitaal. If at all that will be much at peace then Nainital at this time of the year. There is a GOVT. owned KMVN there which you can book to ensure bookings as it is economic too. There is a “Van Nivas” or ‘Madhuban’ ashram as well near Nainital which will also be peaceful in comparison if they allow bookings/accommodation there. I hope this helps.

     Regards
     Dheeraj

     Reply
     • Jaideep says:

       December 22, 2011 at 5:28 pm

       Hi Dheeraj,

       Is there any chance to see snow near nanital?

       Reply
       • Dheeraj Sharma says:

         December 22, 2011 at 11:46 pm

         Jaideep, I guess NO … It rarely snow around Nainitaal.. in fact I can’t remember if I heard of snow around Nainital.
6. SHIV says:

   December 21, 2011 at 2:35 pm

   Hi dheeraj,
   I was going through your blog and i found it very helpful for planning the trip. I am planning to go to manali at 30th dec. so i wanna know bout the possibility of snow fall and for the new yr party as well…;)

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 21, 2011 at 5:32 pm

     Hi Shiv,

     Thanks alot. I am glad that you found the travel info. present here useful enough.

     First and foremost, please keep in mind that first you will be traveling in the costliest week of the year, second there will be hefty tourist rush around both Shimla and Manali and third that you will need pre-booking at either of the places to avoid sleeping in taxi/bus itself (I am not joking but around X-mas and new year, have known people who slept in car )

     It is always hard to predict snowfall as it depends on the luck and the weather on the day you plan to visit … Well, yes at that time you will be able to see ample of snow stock around the snow points of Gulaba/Marhi or Solang Valley. So, if snow is the priority then there are no issues but for snowfall best bet is that, you keep the plan flexible and keep a check on weather updates on the day you plan to visit. The links here: Rohtang Pass, Kothi and Manali regions respectively can be helpful for you in tracking the weather updates of Manali and around. If it says raining in Manali, or rains/snow at Kothi or snows at Rohtang Pass then expect snowfall at nearby snow points of Solang and Marhi/Gulaba etc. As far as snow is concerned, you will find plenty of snow out there.

     Manali Local sightseeing which includes Hadimba Temple, Manu Temple, Mall Road, Local Monastery, Vashisth Hot Water Springs (never found it interesting) etc, Snow Points are at either at Solang Valley or Marhi/Gulaba on the way to Rohtang Pass and do check out Naggar Castle (stay at Naggar and enjoy the place if possible).

     There will be plenty of hotels arranging the parties and you can check in at Johnson’s, Jimmy Johnson’s, Piccadily, Manali Heights, Snow Valley Resorts, Club House Discotheque etc.

     I hope that helps. Please let me know incase you need more details or have some queries or doubts.

     If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here.

     Regards
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
     • shiv says:

       December 22, 2011 at 1:14 pm

       we have booked the hotel in advance for 3 dayz…and thanx a lot man for your reply…if any more info is required i’ll ask u..:)

       Reply
   • Disha says:

     December 21, 2011 at 6:38 pm

     Hi Shiv,

     Manali has already had the seasons first snow 9-12-11. Its very cold up here and looks like we are heading towards a white Christmas. Marrhi is closed but you’ll be able to go Solang. Bring lots of warm clothes and appropriate foot wear. And yes I do agree with Dheeraj, book your hotel in Advance as Manali gets packed for Christmas and New Year’s. Have fun.

     Disha

     Reply
     • Dheeraj Sharma says:

       December 21, 2011 at 9:09 pm

       Disha, Thanks for providing the first hand inputs here …

       Reply
     • shiv says:

       December 22, 2011 at 1:22 pm

       thanx disha for providing first hand info…:)

       Reply
7. Bhuwnesh says:

   December 19, 2011 at 12:34 am

   Dear Dheeraj,

   How are you, first thanks a lot for givnig all of us a regular update on weather condition in & around shimla & Manali.

   I am planning a trip (24th to 26th) to Shimla or Manali to see snow but concerns are road conditions & incase we get stuck due to heavy snow…i am a bit confused. Pls guide me accordingly should we plan for Manali or Shimla & should we take our own cars or volvo (ex-DELHI).

   Also, pls share some homestays or guesthouses details in Shimla & Manali.

   Thanks for a quick feedback.

   Regards
   Bhuwnesh Puri

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 19, 2011 at 1:14 pm

     Hi Bhuwnesh,

     Thanks a lot dear. There shouldn’t be any concerns at all because both these places are well connected all round the year. In case you plan to go ahead from Kufri or Narkanda and there happens to be heavy snowfall then the road might close for a day or two but not more than that. In case of Manali, if there is heavy snowfall then road might close for at max again a day but usually the highway gets cleared within hours. So, nothing much to worry in either region.

     Now, if you have 3 days then both options will be fine with Manali being much better than Shimla and around because of nice views. Commercialization wise, both places are equally bad. I guess taking your own car would prove much more cheaper than hiring local taxis and going in bus but of course if you plan to go by Volvo you will arrive both in Manali / Shimla and back Delhi with complete rest plus you have the advantage of saving yourself from a night self drive, which I feel will be must incase of just three days.

     If you are looking to go to Manali side then for economic hotels and guest houses try to look at Manali – Naggar road or Vashisth or old manali. I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have doubts or queries. I never stayed in Shimla so cannot give any first hand experience hotel names.

     Regards
     Dheeraj Sharma

     Reply
8. Naushad says:

   December 12, 2011 at 1:52 am

   bhai i also want to join u pllzz do something for mee . im from chandigarh

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 12, 2011 at 11:37 am

     bhai it is kinda of personal blog and I am working on to develop something in the website in which we all can join and contribute something or the other related to travel as a community… but guess will take some time… but yes, I have decided to put the Traveling events publicly on the Facebook Page, so if anyone of us there at FB page is interested to join the ride/drive then they are most welcome…

     Reply
9. yagman says:

   December 4, 2011 at 1:17 pm

   Hello..
   Was browsing the net for some info to travek to Himachal and got directed here.
   You seem to know so much abt travelling. Can u help me plan a trip to himachal?

   Main objective is to visit Rewalsar lake and places of Bhuddist interest around. Probably ex Delhi.

   Advise me the budget travelling mode, the hotels and help me prepare an itenary.
   No of ppl =3
   No of days =2 or 3 max.( depend on the places of interest actually)

   Hoping u ll help me with this info..

   Thanks

   Reply
   • Dheeraj Sharma says:

     December 4, 2011 at 11:01 pm

     Hello Yagman,

     Thanks alot. Well, if you have 2-3 days then I will suggest that you only go with Rewalsar and enjoy a relaxing time there. May be if you wish you can visit Buddhist monasteries at Mandi or Kullu too. But, in any case it may not be worth the travel I feel, but you have the option on other day for them to explore. Best way to go about it is to either travel by Volvo (may be Delhi-Manali) if you are comfortable with the pricing or take HRTC bus running between Delhi – Kullu/Mandi/Manali. Then for accommodation I feel best will be to stay at HPTDC – TOURIST INN, Rewalsar You will get the off season discount too.

     I hope it helps!!

     Regards
     Dheeraj

     Reply
     • yagman says:

       December 5, 2011 at 4:47 pm

       Hi Dheeraj,
       thanks for the prompt response.
       And for the suggestion. i was wondering if i can make kalka- shimla-mandi-rewalsar-kalka.. or better with delhi-manali-rewalsa-delhi.

       Rewalsar lying on way delhi-shimla or delhi-manali way?

       and also i cant travel in buses long for problem with toileting.so was thinking of Kalka( train till Kalka). and how much would it take to hire a taxi from kalka and do the trip?

       Indebted
       Thanks

       Reply
       • Dheeraj Sharma says:

         December 5, 2011 at 5:45 pm

         Hello Yagman,

         It is my pleasure. But, it will be better that you do it with Manali because Rewalsar lies much near on the way to Manali and is much far far away from Shimla in comparison. So, clubbing it with Manali will help you greatly. Now, going by bus it will be better because there are Volvo buses which also have toilets, so you can always check with HPTDC or HRTC guys if they have such Volvos running. That will solve the purpose I guess. It is not advisable to go from Shimla side as it lies on the route to Manali.

         Regards
         Dheeraj Sharma
       • yagman says:

         December 5, 2011 at 10:40 pm

         Thanks Bro…Wil remain grateful…will get back to you if any more info required.. helped me alot
10. BDM says:

    November 30, 2011 at 12:11 pm

    Dear Dheeraj,
    I am planning a family (4 adult members) trip on 6th Jan 12 (Friday) night leave for Narkanda and 6th Jan 12 (sunday) evening back to Ghaziabad. Ghaziabad ->Narkanda->Ghaziabad. I will be driving my ZEN (1998) to Narkanda.
    I would appreciate if you can guide me with this trip
    1) Best Route map
    2) Budget stay options with contact nos. if possible
    3) Other important information’s which we should take care for this trip.

    It would be really nice if you could extend little help.

    God bless

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      November 30, 2011 at 9:43 pm

      Hello BDM,

      Well, considering January I guess you may find fog on the highways, so going at night may not be possible. Also, Narkanda may get hectic a bit in 2 days, 2 nights only so I will suggest that you either visit Shimla and Kufri only and drop Narkanda or add one or two more days to your plan. Also, it may be possible that there is fresh snowfall at that time around Kufri so there is no guarantee that road to Narkanda will be open or not.

      I will suggest that for two days just stick to Shimla+Kufri or Chali-Kufri. I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have more doubts or queries.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
      • BDM says:

        November 30, 2011 at 11:20 pm

        Thanx Dheeraj for your valued advice.
        We can not extend days. So we will prefer to stick to Chali-Kufri
        Thanx once again

        Reply
11. Rakesh says:

    November 29, 2011 at 8:19 pm

    Hi Dheeraj,
    I am planning to visit manali for honeymoon around 20th feb 2012.

    I would appreciate if you can guide me with respect to following things:
    1) Is the specified time good for visiting manali.
    2) What are the places to visit in manali and respective traveling distance.
    3) descent 3 star hotels with required facilities according to season.

    Also can you please share your email id?

    Thanks in advance

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      November 29, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      Hi Rakesh,

      Firstly congratulations for your marriage … Please find my answers to your queries below –

      1. Yes, the time is good and devoid of any tourist rush apart from honeymoon couples. You will get handsome discounts too at that time, about 30% at HPTDC hotels and 40-50% at private hotels. So, do bargain hard with them. Many hotels does provide honeymoon packages, so check with them and bargain for off season discounts.

      2. Well, it depends on the number of days you want to stay there. Generally, for 4-5 days Snow Points at Marhi/Gulaba, Solang Valley, local sightseeing at Manali (local monastery, manu temple, Hadimba temple, mall road etc), Naggar Castle, may be Manikaran as well. I guess if you have 5 days then you should restrict yourself to these places only to avoid least amount of travel and spending time in a relaxing manner.

      3. If you ask me then I will suggest that may be you should also check Johnson’s. There are two Johnson’s in Manali one by the name Johnson’s Lodge other I guess Jimmy Johnson’s Hotel and Cafe. Both as adjacent to each other and great options of stay, I must say. One of them also have raison cottages as well which looks decent but I do not have any personal experience with them. We have also stayed at Hotel Picaddily (3 star) as well but that was in off-season, may be at that time prices will be high. We had decent time there as well.

      Apart from that I will surely suggest that you stay a day or two at Naggar Castle (click link for a review) as it is one of the most romantic places to be in Himachal. (atleast for me) Though it gets some tourists in day time but you can always spend that time exploring other places in Naggar such as Roerich Art Gallery and Museum, plus there is a Krishna Temple at the hilltop but you need to hike a bit to reach there or need a good taxi driver to take you there. I never forget the feeling of having lunch and sipping cups of tea/coffee with my wife on my honeymoon trip, at the balcony of the Naggar Castle restaurant …

      If interested in more details on Manali including sightseeing places, accommodation options, food joints, etc you can go through the Manali travel guide available at the link here

      I hope this helps. Please let me know incase you have more doubts or queries.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      P.S.-> I will email you and there you can get my email Id.

      Reply
12. Mayank says:

    September 26, 2011 at 2:09 pm

    Hi Dheeraj, yours is the most detailed blog i have found on Leh travel. I am a amateur photographer from Mumbai and planning a trip next year to Leh. I am convinced that there is no point travelling to leh by air.. atleast one side has to be a road trip. Havent decided much as of now but know that your blog is all that i need to make a choice. I am also getting tempted to do Manali Leh and Leh Srinagar road (or the other way round). I was initially thinking of june but from what I read you seem to suggest otherwise. What do you suggest? One last word .. awesome blog man. Keep it up.

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      September 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm

      Hey Mayank,

      Very nice to see you here, Welcome … First and foremost some stunning pictures available at your blog, great work buddy!!! Now, thanks alot that you liked my blog so much, I just try my best to share all the information I hold up with me with my fellow travelers and lovers of nature. Coming back to your point, well yes there is only point traveling to Leh by air if you are not interested in the beauty of Manali – Leh Highway. To be very frank Ladakh itself does offer ample of natural beauty but it is the thrill and adventure that Manali – Leh Highway offers to the traveler. So, I will suggest if you want that adrenaline pumping rush, clubbed with some extreme adventure and naturally beauty then take the road trip otherwise if you are short on time then fly directly to Ladakh and explore more of Leh -Ladakh for few more days you get by flying directly. You can shoot lots of culture, people and region while you acclimatize for the initial few days by flying directly to Leh. But, yes you will miss Manali – Leh Highway. So, fly or not to fly is a bit trade-off between what you are actually looking forward from Ladakh.

      Now, if you are looking towards blue skies and beautiful colors then September used to be the great time for capturing those shots. But now a days due to delayed monsoon, it is like September second half after the rains. However, you hardly get to see any snow in near by places in September. Though, June offers mix of it (snow as well as clear skies) depending upon your luck you may face some bottlenecks due to sudden road closures owing to early season.

      In any case, if you plan to do it through road trip then I will advise you to fly directly to Srinagar (if not self riding or self driving) and then first do Srinagar – Leh Highway, then cover Ladakh and then finally come back from Manali – Leh Highway. Since, you are a photographer you will certainly need time on Manali – Leh Highway to click pictures. For that your body should be properly acclimatized and you should give ample amount of time for stoppages. If you go from Manali side then to prevent getting stuck with AMS you will need to cover Keylong – Leh stretch in single day as you should not stay at Sarchu due to AMS vulnerability and that will mean very least stoppages if you plan to make it Leh with day light left. Hence, you loose some considerable shots while still suffering from some mild headaches if not major issues. On the other hand if you plan to come back from Leh – Manali Highway then you get a chance to break your journey even at Sarchu for two days and may be spend one more day at Jispa for further slow progress if you have time. So, you get ample of time for photography and least botheration of AMS.

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries or doubts. Check more details/information on Srinagar – Leh Highway here and for Manali – Leh Highway here.

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
13. Sameer says:

    August 30, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    Hi Dheeraj,
    Great to see your website and the level of details which you have put in your blogs. The visit of 2010 in which you have detailed the cloudbursts and Leh tragedy is very touching. One’s perspective changes entirely when you are faced with such a situation.
    All the best!

    Regards,
    Sameer

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 30, 2011 at 6:41 pm

      Hey Sameer, thanks a lot for such warm words. Yes, indeed it had been a life turning trip and now I see and live lot lot better than what I used to do. Things are very much the same but due to perspective or paradigm shift life has changed altogether to become much more beautiful than ever. Of course, the horrors and sorrows of the tragic experience will always be with me but it has raised the level of love and respect for the people of Ladakh to greater heights …

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
14. Nipun says:

    August 16, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Hi Dheeraj,

    I had gone to Leh on a bike trip last month, and your blog helped a great deal in preparing for the same.
    Also, I wanted to talk to you/ meet you to discuss something. Can you please provide your email id/ cell number on my email id nipunsharma1@gmail.com?

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 16, 2011 at 6:22 pm

      Thanks alot and I am glad that info. on this blog really helped in your Ladakh trip. I will email you my contact Nipun. Also, I will remove your email from public site as this so that you get less spam. I already have your email via comment

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
15. Nisha says:

    August 11, 2011 at 10:47 am

    My first time here & I am quite impressed by the info available on this site.
    Keep it up.

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 11, 2011 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Nisha,

      Thanks alot, I am glad that you like the content of my blog. It feels really good to know that the information we share is fruitful for a fellow traveler as well. I am just going through your blog too and really appreciate the efforts and your spirit to travel. The backpackers and that too women in India are seriously hard to find …

      Thanks again!!

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
16. Abhijit says:

    August 10, 2011 at 1:50 am

    Dear Deeraj

    thanks for your reply on my post on Indiamike.. its quite useful.. I am in Dubai and had planned for a trip to Leh for a long time but unfortunately my group members backed out, we were planning for trip by 18th or 20th Aug but due to heavy rain and landslides this time a lot of them have backed out.. i want to club myself with 1-2 more people with any gang going by road via chandigarh on bikes or cars, i myself prefer a bike ride till Leh, but other members want it to be by car/taxi.. is there anyway i can find a group thru your help..
    Look forward for your help..

    regards
    Abhijit

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 10, 2011 at 9:47 am

      Hello Abhijit,

      Unfortunately, I do not have any dedicated section on the blog for Travel Partners requests, so it will be difficult for you to find anything here and neither I have come across anyone looking forward for travel partners on my blog recently. However, I found few threads looking for travel partners in 18-20 Aug date range and you can check those threads or post new queries on the following link:

      http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/india-travel-partners-f59/

      I hope this helps. Let me know incase you have more queries or doubts.

      Regards
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
17. Mayur Laharia says:

    August 8, 2011 at 2:44 pm

    Hi Dheeraj,

    We are planning to start the Leh-Ladakh trip on bikes at around end of september’11, can you please suggest whether is it the right time to commence our journey or not??

    Also if you can share or email your contact number that would be highly helpful for us and appreciated as well.

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 8, 2011 at 6:24 pm

      Hello Mayur,

      Now, in September end Rohtang Pass will not be closed but be ready for some cold climatic conditions as it is the beginning of winter season in higher Himalayas. Generally, I advise people to go via Srinagar – Leh route as it provides your body much more acclimatization then Manali – Leh route but since you are going in September end it is better to start from Manali side and come back from Srinagar side. This will ensure that you cover the Manali Leh journey without any road blockages that starts in October due to snowfall on the mountain passes. The Srinagar – Leh route is much more stable and have only few mountain passes, mainly Zozi La, so while coming back you won’t face much delays in October as BRO keeps it running till mid November.

      Having said that, please keep in mind that if you do have 2-3 days of buffer time and you are OK with some cold conditions then do consider going via Srinagar – Leh highway and coming back via Manali – Leh Highway. This way you will better enjoy the journey and won’t feel any kind of acute mountain sickness which may prove to be extremely important for you.

      I hope this helps. I will share my contact details over email.

      Regards,
      Dheeraj Sharma

      Reply
18. Nishtha Bansal says:

    June 17, 2011 at 10:36 am

    Thank You
    Regards
    Nishtha

    Reply
19. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    June 16, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    Your are most welcome…. Not sure about the snowfall but current weather predictions shows a clear sky in the next week. But, things can change in Himalayas pretty soon. So, I wish you luck for your journey and yes, the snowfall too…

    Reply
20. Nishtha Bansal says:

    June 16, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    Will there be snowfall also in Rohtang Pass?
    Thank You Dheeraj Sir

    Reply
21. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    June 16, 2011 at 12:29 pm

    Hello Nishtha,

    You will need to carry woolens as over at Manali, in the shades it will be cold and in sunshine it will be mildly cold only. Take inner thermals both upper and lower (atleast one or two pairs), one or two sweaters or pullowers, a light jacket, full sleeves T-shirts etc. Since, the weather looks clear by the time you plan to go to Manali and Rohtang Pass, I guess you won’t need any heavy woolen jacket but it depends upon how you guys feel cold. If you live in Delhi then consider the weather in Manali like that of November’s weather in Delhi and that of Rohtang Pass as about early January’s cold weather of Delhi.

    When you will go to Rohtang Pass from Manali, then you can rent overcoats or snow dress and gum boots from the road side vendors while going towards Rohtang. These overcoats or snow dress will help you fight the cold at Rohtang Pass where you will find plenty of snow. It will also help your own clothes remain dry and keep them away from getting dirty.

    You will be able to find plenty of snow at Rohtang Pass. For more information on Manali check the below travel guide –

    Delhi to Manali, Travel Guide

    I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any queries.

    Regards,
    Dheeraj Sharma

    Reply
22. Nishtha Bansal says:

    June 16, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Hi Dheeraj Sir,
    We are planning to go to manali on 20June with my family. I’m very confused what type of clothes should I take along with me. Will there be hot or cold? Will i be able to see snow anywhere? Please guide me.
    Thank You

    Reply
23. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    June 15, 2011 at 2:25 pm

    Hi Amit,

    Thanks for such warm appreciation. These words of appreciation keep me going and keep my adrenaline pumping to put those nitty gritty details … I am highly glad that you like the information available.

    1. For acclimmatization you need to check hotels in Solang Valley and considering peak tourist rush the prices will be rocket high. Otherwise its preferred to stay at Vashishth few KMs away from Manali towards Rohtang. You will get the budget hotel over there else check Hotel River View, Hotel Review at the link below. It was decent and econmic too but being in Manali not help in acclimatization. Link below -

    The River View, Manali, Himachal Pradesh | Hotel Review

    2. You need to leave Manali/Solang at max by 5.30 AM although try to leave by 5.00 to beat the traffic Jam and tourist rush mess at Rohtang else it might be possible that due to Jam you may need to return back.

    3. Stay at Jispa not Keylong, you will love it. At Jispa check Jispa Journeys Hotel Review at the link below

    Jispa Journeys, Jispa, Himachal Pradesh | Hotel Review

    4. For complete details of accommodation or stay options on Manali – Leh Highway including Jispa, Sarchu check the below link

    List of Accommodation Options on Manali – Leh Highway

    5. 21st June, you need to get the inner line permits as well. Check the link below for more information in Leh – Ldakh Inner Line Permits and how to download the form and process them faster. Link below -

    All you want to know about Inner Line Permits for Leh – Ladakh

    6. Yes, stay at Diskit but cover Hunder Sand Dunes (7 KMs ahead) and camel safari in the evening after check-in to Hotel at noon. You can explore the Diskit town monasteries and Lord Buddha statue in the noon as well. Hotel Sten Del is a great place to stay at Diskit town. Rest spot hunting advised. Review below 

    Hotel Sten Del, Diskit, Nubra Valley, Ladakh | Hotel Review

    7. On the way back from Nubra Valey, do Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh. Sumur is famous for monasteries and Panamik for hote water springs.

    8. Instead of doing Pangong as day trip include the other day and stay over night at Pangong Tso Lake. On the way to Leh – Pangong – Leh you can cover Shey, Hemis and Thiksey Gompas easily with overnight stay at Pangong Tso. It will be worth feeling of completeness …

    9. If you have one day more then try to do Leh – Tso Moriri, Tso Moriri – Tso Kar – Pang – Sarchu, Sarchu – Manali.

    10. Whether in June is unpredictable always and good time or not only weather gods can say. You will find bad or very roads though at some places.

    11. I hope the table in the link will help you get the pointers on info you need about the places… There are ample of places enroute which will give you completeness. Do refer the self drive section.

    How to plan a journey on Manali – Leh Highway

    12. For list of things to carry on travel to Ladakh check the link below -

    List of things to carry when you go on Ladakh Trip

    Along with things in above link you must take the Basic toolkit, screw driver set, small hammer, puncture repair kit, iron rod, two or three “2 ltr” empty bottles of pepsi / coke / limca etc to carry extra petrol or diesel (jerry cans will leak, cold drink bottles do not leak), funnel, towing rope, spare tube (must for bikes), elfy or fevi quick (2-3 sachets), jump start cables/wires, M-seal to prevent leakage etc. were among the few things which I carried along on my trip to Ladakh. Also, do not forget to get your vehicle (car/bike) serviced about 2-3 weeks before the start of the Ladakh journey. This will ensure that you have proper time in advance to test your serviced vehicle and get fixed any hitches that may have been introduced in that service.

    13. Any 4×4 would be great but actually its the man behind the wheel that counts in such terrain.

    I hope it helps. Let me know if you have any queries.

    Regards,

    Dheeraj

    Reply
24. Amit says:

    June 14, 2011 at 11:27 pm

    Hey Dheeraj….

    First of all i would like to commend you on your absolutely fantabulous blog…reading it made me get so much “exact information” i needed which might not be available at the regular “it” travel sites …surely put the traveler’s perspective oh so well with all those smallest of small nitty gritties covered …so much so i have been preaching to others about my know how of the place without actually going there lol lol..

    Dheeraj i need a last minute advise on few things relating to my prospective trip to Leh/Ladhak :

    1) My prospective itinerary is as follows :-

    17th june – Reach Manali from Chandigarh ( though finding it hard to get an accommodation in manali…i know bit too last minute)..any options as far as resorts are concerned for acclimatization ??

    18th june – early morning (wht time ??) Start from manali/sallong and overnight at Jispa/keylong.
    Any recommendations as far the best possible accommodations in jispa???

    !9th june – start morning ( time ??) from jispa/keylong and overnight stay at sarchu . Recommendation of place to stay in Sarchu ???

    20th june – sarchu to leh ( organized for a place in leh )

    21st june – rest and see places in and around leh

    22nd june – go to nubra valley and stay overnight at diskit ?? References of decent place at diskit ??

    23rd june – nubra valley to leh …(what all to see in between on the way back ???)

    24th june – go to pangong lake and return back to leh for night stay at leh …(places to see in between or around pangong??)

    25th june – leh and around ( not certain of wht to do ?? any suggestions ???)

    26th june – leh to keylong ..

    27th june – keylong to manali .

    Some added questions …

    a) Whts ur take on this itinerary …any changes u feel are necessary or is it good enof ..i maybe able to adjust a day or two here and there but have to leave on 17th ..

    b) is this a good time as far as weather is concerned to go …

    c) which are the must see places to get a feeling of completeness..

    d) Imp ..EXHAUSTIVE LIST of things in various categories …(car accessories/ health/emmergencyemmergency stay/travel etc ) to be taken along to overcome any adversity …

    e) which so called indian SUV would be the best bet …??

    Dheeraj waiting for ur response …

    God bless ..

    Reply
25. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    May 25, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Hi Rohit,

    I have accpeted your request. Kindly let me know your queries, I would be more than happy to help in all terms I can …

    Regards,

    Dheeraj Sharma

    Reply
26. Rohit Adukia says:

    May 25, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Hey Dheeraj,

    I am planning a trip to Ladakh and have figured out that you know quite a lot about the place. I have sent you a request on FB, please accept it. It would be really nice if you could extend a little help.

    Cheers!

    Reply
27. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    May 5, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    Parmeshwar, I am sorry but I do not have idea about GOECHA LA or GOECHA PASS because I have never been to Sikkim. I suggest you to visit BCMT Forum website and open a thread in the itinerary section to get the useful information you are seeking.

    Reply
28. Parmeshwar says:

    May 5, 2011 at 2:58 pm

    I would like to visit GOCHALA PASS this month on 12th May 2011. Kindly share your views please.

    Reply
29. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    April 13, 2011 at 1:29 pm

    Hello Tarun,

    Thanks alot. I try my best to provide information on travel by living this passion of mine and I am glad that it helps some people to plan their travel too. I hope all the stuff available on the site including Hotel Review, Sample Itineraries, Travel Guides and my Travel Logs helps people visiting my blog to visit the places as travellers not as tourists … Even I am trying to improve on the pictures by learning little things of photography too but there is a long way to go I feel. Anyways glad that you liked the site, too.

    Regards,

    Dheeraj Sharma

    Reply
30. TG says:

    April 13, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    Nice site | Nice diaries

    Reply
31. Dheeraj Sharma says:

    February 13, 2011 at 9:59 am

    Hello Aman,

    Thanks a million for such warm compliments, these words made my day today … I am glad it helped you satisfy the hunger of traveling but believe me it is a never satisfying hunger … Let me know if you need any inputs in planning / finalizing any trip, I will try my best to provide you with what all info. I have for the place. I try my best to keep this Passion rolling more and more with each passing day and comments like yours, from fellow travellers do wonders for it…

    Thanks!

    Dheeraj Sharma

    Reply
32. Aman Shankhdhar says:

    February 12, 2011 at 11:47 pm

    Simple surfing leads you to nicest of sites, here I found one such…
    This is an awesome blog to let people like me help satisfy their craving for traveling. I was reading into the chandratal lake tips and find it really helpful. Next time I ‘ll definitely read up here to plan my trip.
    Nice work besides ‘work’… Let the passion roll

    Reply
33. Ashish Chauhan says:

    September 27, 2010 at 11:53 am

    Hi Dheeraj good to see you here and the work you’ve done is amazing. I also share the same passion however have not implemented even 10% of what you’ve done.
    Great work!

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      September 27, 2010 at 11:58 pm

      Hey Ashish!! Thanks alot bro for the warm appreciation… I just thought to keep it going so that the passion never dies in me… The devilonwheels keeps me going and planning the trips again and again… This helps generate alot of enthusiasm into life and maintains a balance with everything else. I hope this little effort provide atleast tiny help to others in planning their trips!!! Please do share your travel stories or pictures too.. I will definitely look forward for the same…

      Reply
34. Swapnil says:

    August 25, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Bhai..awesome site hai..today for the 1st time I explored every aspect of this blog..it has more than what I can expect from a travel site..good stuff..good luck for all your upcoming tours!!

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      August 25, 2010 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks Swapnil for all the wishes. Its just an attempt to collate the information under one roof so that it could be a help to someone wanting to explore more from the his/her trip…I am sure you will definitely join us on one of the upcoming tours…I am looking forward to it….

      Reply
35. Bodhisattva says:

    July 26, 2010 at 7:26 pm

    Hey Dheeraj, i was going through your post of Chandrataal on Bmctouring. I will most prolly be heading that way in a couple of weeks and it will be my first time riding solo in the hills. Since you seem to know the place to well, i thought if you could share some knowledge with me.
    I am available at:bsenroy@gmail.com…

    Please do leave me a test mail so that i can write back

    Thanks a lot

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      July 28, 2010 at 12:52 pm

      @Bodhisattv, I have sent my contact number as well as test mail for info on Chandratal to you. You may contact me anytime you like.

      Reply
36. Girish Khullar says:

    July 26, 2010 at 4:51 pm

    Ek to pic poore Einstein style ki hai and doora your writing….fultoo feelings ke saath like you are giving words to your thoughts…like Stephenie Meyer……

    Reply
    • Dheeraj Sharma says:

      July 26, 2010 at 10:18 pm

      Bahut Bhaut Shukriya Dost!!! All praises from likes of you dear friend. Thanks for being such a lovely and supporting friend always.

      Reply
37. Kashif says:

    February 18, 2010 at 1:01 am

    omg…ekdum killer look hai…lol..:)..

    Reply
38. Abhay says:

    January 19, 2010 at 9:20 am

    mast site hai yaar…really…aur teri snap bhi fadu hai..:)..

    Reply

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